Called To Homeschool

What if you want to homeschool—but you also want the freedom to travel? In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about homeschooling while living part of the year in California and part of the year in the Midwest. We’ll talk about taking school on the road, finding flexible co-ops, sports, friendships and socialization, homeschool laws, and the fear that your kids might eventually want...

Did my homeschooled daughter ever wish she went to public school? In this episode, my adult daughter, Bella, is back to answer that question and share what it was really like growing up homeschooled in a family with seven kids. We talk about how being part of a large family shaped her, friendships inside and outside of homeschool, whether she ever felt like she was missing out, and what she would...

What do you do when the homeschool routine that worked for years suddenly turns into a daily battle? In this episode, I’m answering a mom’s question about her 12-year-old son who has lost motivation, pushes back on school, and seems to resist everything she says. We’ll talk about what’s changing during the teenage years, why your homeschool may need to change too, and how to give your teen more ow...

When you’re homeschooling little kids, how much of the day should actually be spent doing school? How much should they be helping around the house? And if they would happily play outside all day long… should you let them? In this episode, I’m answering a mom of three little ones, who is wondering if she’s doing enough or allowing too much free play. If you’re homeschooling little kids and wonderin...

Does your child give up as soon as something feels hard? In this episode, I’m answering a homeschool mom’s question about helping her 6-year-old build perseverance without turning learning into a constant battle. We’ll talk about when to push, when to back off, how to build confidence and independence, and why doing hard things doesn’t have to mean making things harder than they need to be.

How do you homeschool a kindergartener when you also have a preschooler, toddler, and baby who all need you? In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about what a typical homeschool day can look like when you have a house full of little kids. I’ll share what I would actually focus on at these ages, how I’d keep kindergarten and preschool simple, why I wouldn’t save school for nap time,...

In this episode, I’m joined by my 22-year-old daughter to talk about something I think every parent wants: raising kids who grow into capable, independent adults. My daughter earned her Associate degree at 16 and has since lived all over the world, so I wanted you to hear her perspective on what actually helped her become independent and responsible. We share 3 things parents can do to help their...

Wondering if your homeschooler is “on grade level”? In this episode, I answer a listener who recently pulled her 10-year-old twins out of public school and is wondering where in the world to start. Do you give placement tests? Look for learning gaps? Choose curriculum based on their age? Or, as she hilariously asks, just “wing it like a hippie”? We’re talking about how to figure out what your chil...

Am I teaching enough? It's one of the most common questions homeschool parents ask—and one that can quickly lead to second-guessing, overwhelm, and comparison. In this episode, I answer a listener's question about whether she's covering enough subjects, how to know what's truly important, and why learning to trust yourself may be one of the greatest gifts you can give your homescho...

Have you ever wondered what homeschoolers mean when they talk about "living books"? In this episode, I'll explain what living books are, why Charlotte Mason believed they were so important, and how they've completely changed the way I think about education. I'll also share some of my favorite historical fiction and nonfiction living books to help you get started and hopefully...

Curious what our homeschool year will look like? In this episode, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how we're planning our 2026–2027 homeschool year. If you're looking for ideas, encouragement, or just want to see what works for our family, you won't want to miss this episode!

Have you ever found yourself second-guessing your homeschool because of someone else's opinion? Maybe a family member questions your decision, your child mentions wanting to go to school, or another homeschool family decides to enroll their kids in public school. Suddenly, you're wondering if you're doing the right thing. In this episode, I'm sharing how to build real confidence as...

Is it too late to rebuild your relationship with your teen? No. If your teen is pulling away, listening more to friends than family, or making choices that worry you, don't lose hope. In this week's podcast, we talk about: ❤️ Letting go of guilt. ❤️ The power of apologizing. ❤️ Why connection creates more influence than control. ❤️ Simple ways to rebuild trust and strengthen your relations...

Does it ever feel like you and your husband aren't on the same page about homeschooling? You're not alone. In this week's episode, we're talking about how to navigate those conversations without becoming defensive or creating more conflict. We'll cover: ✔️ Why many husbands suggest putting the kids back in school. ✔️ How to share your desires instead of complaining. ✔️ What to...

When should you start homeschooling a toddler? One of the biggest misconceptions about homeschooling is that it starts with curriculum. It doesn't. At 18 months old, your child doesn't need worksheets or a structured school day. They need you. Read together. Go on nature walks. Let them help you cook, clean, and do life alongside you. Build good habits. Foster curiosity. Fill their days wi...

Is your homeschool room overflowing with books, curriculum, and supplies? In this episode, I answer a listener's question about how to declutter your homeschool curriculum without regret. We'll talk about what to keep, what to let go of, and why the goal isn't to collect curriculum—it's to educate your children. If your homeschool space is feeling overwhelming, this episode will he...

A mom wrote in asking whether she should send her 4-year-old to preschool during a difficult season of life, even though she wants to homeschool. As we unpack her question, we discover that the real issue isn't preschool—it's fear. Fear of making the wrong decision. Fear of difficult seasons. Fear of what might happen in the future. In this episode, I share why fear is terrible at making d...

Let's talk about a relationship that often gets overlooked during the homeschool years—your marriage. In this episode, I'm sharing lessons from The Empowered Wife by Laura Doyle and discussing self-care, respect, gratitude, vulnerability, and why you only need one person to start creating positive change in a relationship. Because homeschooling is temporary. Your marriage is forever.

Do you ever feel motivated one week and completely off track the next? In this episode, I answer a question from a homeschool mom of three (with baby #4 on the way!) who wants to create more consistency in her homeschool. We talk about time management, routines, motivation, building sustainable habits, and how to create a homeschool that works even during busy seasons of life. If you've ever w...

Are you focusing so much on academics that you’re forgetting the bigger picture of education? In this episode, we talk about what Charlotte Mason meant by “raising the whole child” and why homeschooling is about so much more than grades, curriculum, and checking boxes. We discuss:• character and habits• emotional regulation• life skills• home atmosphere• meaningful work• raising capable, responsib...

What happens when a child leaves traditional school… and suddenly loses all motivation to learn? In this episode of Called to Homeschool, we talk about: • deschooling • perfectionism and fear-based motivation • helping kids rediscover curiosity • living books and hands-on learning • why homeschool should NOT look like school at home • habits, connection, and family culture If you have a resistant...

If you’ve ever wondered if your child is actually listening—or worried you’re doing something wrong—this episode is for you. Today we’re talking about what’s really going on when young kids don’t respond the way we expect, and how to gently teach listening in a way that builds confidence instead of pressure. In this episode, we cover: What’s actually age-appropriate (especially for little ones) Wh...

From Broken to Building: How I Created the Family I Always Wanted—and How You Can Too In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing the story I don’t tell lightly. There was a time when I was an overwhelmed, reactive mom—trying to control everything in my home, struggling with my mental health, and searching for peace in all the wrong places. And yet… today I homeschool, I lead my home with calm an...

What if the most powerful force in your home… is you? This Mother’s Day, we’re talking about the quiet, often unseen influence of a mother—and why it matters more than you think. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your presence shapes the entire feeling of your home How to stop giving your power away to your kids’ behavior The small shifts that create big change in your family And how taking care...

How much homeschooling is actually enough ? If your days feel long, overwhelming, or like you’re not doing enough—this episode will give you clarity and peace. We’ll talk about: How the amount of school changes as your child grows Why homeschool takes far less time than you think The 4 stages of learning and what matters most in each phase Simple guidelines for how much structured learning you rea...